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Kenya Sevens take on Mexico, Uganda and Germany with hopes of finishing the first Challenger Series leg on a high as they eye a quick return to the World Sevens Series.
Kenya Sevens will begin their route back to the top flight when they clash with Mexico, Uganda, and Germany in the Challenger Series in Dubai this weekend.
Shujaa saw their 19-year stay in the World Sevens Series come to a crashing end in May 2023, forcing them into the second-tier Challenger Series, where they will have to work their way back to the top flight.
That starts with a match against Mexico on Friday afternoon before they face neighbours Uganda in the evening and they will complete their group campaign with a clash against Germany on Saturday.
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10:48 - 11.01.2024
RUGBY Tony Omondi places unwavering faith in fledgling team returning Shujaa to World Series
Omondi has made his stance known on the quality of the current Shujaa setup as they begin their Challenger Series campaign in Dubai.
Kevin Wambua’s men need to give a good account of themselves to stay in the hunt for the promotion places as only the top four will get a chance to play the playoff.
The 2024 Challenger Series will take place in four legs on three continents between January and May, providing a clear promotion pathway to reach the World Sevens Series in 2025.
The top four placed teams from the Sevens Challenger Series, based on cumulative series points after the third round, will secure their place in the relegation play-off at the grand finale in Madrid in May against the teams that finished between ninth and 12th in the World Sevens Series.
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20:32 - 10.01.2024
RUGBY Wambua reveals Shujaa's target ahead of Dubai Challenger event
Wambua has revealed how he will get Shujaa to return to the big time of World Sevens Rugby as the side begins its campaign to do so in Dubai.
It means Shujaa cannot afford a false start since there are few opportunities to make amends in the Challenger Series.
Kenya get into the tournament high on confidence as they are unbeaten since Wambua took over, having won all their matches at the Africa Sevens, when they qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, before retaining their Safari Sevens title.
The coach has kept faith with his squad from these two events with Mwamba’s Brian Mutugi the only new entrant in the 12-man squad in Dubai.
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20:04 - 09.01.2024
RUGBY Where to watch Shujaa's opening Challenger Series leg in Dubai
Find out where and how to catch Kenya's Shujaa and Lionesses in action at the Dubai Challenger Series.
“As we approach the competition, our focus is on taking each game as it comes, with the ultimate goal of securing a podium position,” Wambua said after naming his squad on Sunday.
“Given that the Challenger series consists of four legs, a strong start in the first leg is pivotal. This not only builds confidence within the team but also alleviates pressure for subsequent tournaments. Our target is clear – to establish ourselves early on and maintain a competitive edge throughout the series.”
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